3 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R454B Central System RA14AY36AJ1NA, RH2TY3617STANNJ
Three tons is the most-replaced residential system size in the country, and this Rheem Endeavor Line package is the R-454B answer to it. The RA14AY36AJ1NA condenser and RH2TY3617STANNJ two-stage air handler deliver 36,000 BTU at 15.2 SEER2 under AHRI reference 215232527, with the indoor unit fitting a 17.5-inch cabinet opening. For contractors replacing a decade-old 3 ton R-410A system, this is the direct-swap capacity with modern low-GWP refrigerant and an integrated A2L detection system already on board.
Is a 3 Ton Refrigeration System the Right Size?
A 3 ton system delivers 36,000 BTU per hour, which in the Southeast commonly maps to homes of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. It is the size that fits the bulk of the postwar and 1990s tract housing stock: three-bedroom two-bath single-story homes with 8-foot ceilings and a central return.
Because 3 tons is so common, it is also the size most often installed by habit rather than by calculation. Homes with vaulted ceilings, extensive west-facing glass, or leaky returns may need more; homes that have been tightened with new windows, spray foam, or duct sealing may need less. The rated 15.2 SEER2 performance assumes this specific pairing and a duct system capable of carrying roughly 1,200 CFM.
Ideal for: Three-bedroom single-story homes, 1990s and 2000s tract construction, small multi-family units, and light commercial spaces such as offices and salons.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 3.5 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R454B System RA14AY42AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ, which moves to a 21-inch air handler cabinet.
Recommended sizing ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, duct design, window area, ceiling height, occupancy, and local design conditions. Run our AC tonnage and BTU calculator, request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RA14AY36AJ1NA — 3 Ton Endeavor Line Classic Series Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY3617STANNJ Two-Stage Multiposition Air Handler |
| Application | Residential Split System, Cool Only with Field-Installed Electric Heat |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Nominal Capacity | 36,000 BTU / 3 Tons |
| Rated Efficiency | 15.2 SEER2 |
| Air Handler Cabinet Width | 17.5 inches |
| AHRI Reference Number | 215232527 |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
Rheem lists the 3 ton RA14AY outdoor cabinet at approximately 33.75 inches wide by 25 inches high by 33.75 inches deep, which matters when the condenser is going back on an existing pad or into a side-yard easement. The RH2TY3617STANNJ indoor unit keeps the 17.5-inch width, so plenum transitions from most older 3 ton air handlers adapt with minimal sheet metal work.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY36AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 3 ton nominal capacity, 36,000 BTU, rated 15.2 SEER2
- Approximately 33.75 in. W x 25 in. H x 33.75 in. D cabinet
- Low-GWP R-454B refrigerant meets the 2025 EPA GWP limit of 700
- 7mm condenser copper coil with reduced refrigerant charge
- PlusOne Triple Service Access for full component reach
- PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System integrated from the factory
- Automatic outdoor unit pause on excess refrigerant detection
- Sound-dampening tubing layout, fan blade, and composite base pan
- Powder coat paint system over rugged corner post construction
- 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration
RH2TY3617STANNJ Air Handler
- 17.5-inch cabinet rated for 3 ton airflow
- 1/2 HP constant torque ECM blower motor
- Two-stage operation for improved part-load humidity removal
- 1.0 inch foil-faced insulation on all cabinet panels
- Corrosion-resistant all-aluminum indoor coil
- Internally grooved tubing improves heat transfer
- Factory thermal expansion valve
- Upflow, downflow, horizontal left and horizontal right capable
- Auxiliary electric heater kits available as a field accessory
- Under 2% cabinet air leakage at 1-inch H2O per ASHRAE 193
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes condenser and air handler technical specifications, submittal data, installation instructions, and warranty information to assist with equipment selection, permitting, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the outdoor dimensions of the RA14AY36AJ1NA?
Rheem publishes the 3 ton RA14AY cabinet at approximately 33.75 inches wide, 25 inches high, and 33.75 inches deep. Verify required service and airflow clearances in the submittal sheet before finalizing the pad location.
Is this a direct replacement for an older 3 ton R-410A system?
It matches the capacity, but it is not a drop-in. R-454B is an A2L refrigerant with its own line set, charging, and leak detection requirements, and local code may require mitigation provisions the old system never had. Review the RH2TY installation instructions above before quoting the job.
How is the 7mm condenser coil different from older designs?
The smaller-diameter tubing holds less refrigerant for the same heat transfer, which Rheem states reduces refrigerant requirements by up to 15%. Less charge means a smaller, lighter outdoor cabinet and a lower total greenhouse gas footprint per system.
Can the air handler be installed in a horizontal attic position?
Yes. The RH2TY3617STANNJ is 4-way convertible and supports horizontal left and horizontal right orientations in addition to upflow and downflow. Attic installations require a secondary drain pan and proper condensate routing per local code.
What size electric heat kit should I pair with a 3 ton system?
Heat kit sizing depends on the heating load, the backup strategy, and the available electrical service, not on the cooling tonnage alone. Our heat strip selection guide lists the kits compatible with Rheem air handlers.
Where can I learn how SEER2 differs from the old SEER rating?
SEER2 uses a higher external static pressure in the test procedure, so ratings read lower than the SEER numbers on equipment sold before 2023 even when real-world performance is equivalent. Our SEER2 information page explains the change and the regional minimums.
RA14AY Technical SpecificationsRheem Condenser BrochureRA14AY Submittal SheetRH2TY Technical SpecificationsRH2TY Installation InstructionsRH2TY Submittal SheetRheem Warranty Certificate
